# Form 8879

URL: https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/tax-forms/form-8879
Category: Tax Forms
Attributes: Trusted by accountants, Official IRS form

Form 8879 is the IRS e-file signature authorization that taxpayers sign to approve an electronically filed tax return.

You can now skip the completion of the physical document; all you should do is open our fillable Form 8879 copy, sign, and save your authorization in minutes, with no printing required.

## Versions

- 2021 — [download PDF](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/i16te7yp/production/b6b5cbcc820703341b3072ae06a2ce9a739e71a6.pdf)

## How to Fill Out Form 8879

1. Open the printable Form 8879 on pdf.net
2. Enter your name, SSN, and address
3. Review Part I return amounts
4. Indicate or verify your PIN (five digits)
5. Sign and date the form with a handwritten or electronic signature
6. Return it to your electronic return originator so that they can submit it

## Facts

### What Is Form 8879 Used For?

IRS Form 8879 is used for authorizing an electronic return originator to file your individual tax return using the Practitioner PIN method. It confirms your identity, approves your return amounts, and follows the official Form 8879 instructions if your situation needs extra guidance.

### Who Should Use Form 8879?

Taxpayers who have a preparer e-file their Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, 1040-SS, or 1040-X should use Form 8879. If your ERO enters or generates your PIN electronically instead of collecting a wet signature, you need to sign this form before the return is transmitted to the IRS.

### When Is Form 8879 Due?

There's no separate Form 8879 due date apart from your tax return. You must sign and return it to your ERO before they transmit your return, which typically means completing it by the April 15 filing deadline or your extended October deadline.

### What Happens If Form 8879 Is Not Submitted?

If Form 8879 is not submitted, your ERO generally cannot transmit your e-filed return using the Practitioner PIN method. This can delay or block electronic filing until the signed authorization is received.

While there are no standard Form 8879 penalties for simply forgetting to sign the authorization, the form includes a declaration made under penalties of perjury, so you should review the return information carefully before signing and authorizing your ERO to submit it.

### How and Where Do I File Form 8879?

You don't file Form 8879 with the IRS; instead, you should sign it and return it to your ERO by hand, mail, email, fax, or secure portal. Your preparer should keep the signed copy on file for at least three years.